Dack Delivers as Gills Claim First Win of the Season
Gillingham picked up their first three points of the 2025/26 season with a 1-0 victory over Walsall at the Priestfield Stadium.
Photo by Gillingham FC
In a physical, evenly contested game with chances at both ends, Bradley Dack's 58th-minute strike proved the difference.
The hosts, playing their first home fixture of the season, started brightly and earned a corner inside the opening minute. From the delivery, Robbie McKenzie could only glance the ball goalwards, making it a comfortable save for Walsall keeper Myles Roberts.
Gillingham dominated early possession, patiently working the ball forward, but found it difficult to break down a resolute Saddlers defence. Despite seeing less of the ball, Walsall had the first clear chance when Charlie Lakin blazed over from close range.
As the half wore on, the visitors grew into the contest, with both sides probing but failing to carve out anything decisive. Midway through the first period, Dack tried his luck with an ambitious volley from distance, but his effort flew over the bar — a moment that summed up the cagey opening exchanges.
The Saddlers almost snatched the lead before the break when Harry Hancock flicked a back-post free kick towards goal, but Glen Morris reacted sharply to gather on the line.
The second half began in similar fashion, with both teams searching for space behind the defences. In the 58th minute, Gillingham finally broke the deadlock. After a long throw caused chaos in the penalty area, the ball fell to Dack, who drilled a precise finish into the bottom-right corner.
Chasing an equaliser, Walsall pushed forward, but Gillingham's back line held firm and limited them to half chances. The hosts looked the more likely to score again, with substitute Marcus Wyllie firing just wide after latching onto a forward ball.
Ethan Coleman then had a late opportunity to test Roberts, but his shot from inside the box lacked the power to trouble the goalkeeper.
Gillingham saw out the final minutes to claim a deserved win and make it the perfect start at home for the new League Two campaign.